School of Social Work assistant Prof. Susan Mcdonough is suing Celebrity Cruises Ltd. for more than $2 million in damages because of an injury she suffered while on a Celebrity Cruise in March 1997.
Mcdonough was allegedly hit on the head by a Coco Loco, a specialty drink served in a coconut shell that is sold on the cruise ship.
The coconut shell drink fell from an upper deck, dropping 16 feet before striking Mcdonough on the head. Mcdonough's attorney Mark Daane confirmed she suffered brain trauma as a result of the injury, which affects her memory and balance.
The incident occurred while Mcdonough was at an "Island Night" party aboard the cruise ship Zenith with her husband Arnold Sameroff, a University psychology professor. Mcdonough and Sameroff were unavailable for comment.
The lawsuit claims Celebrity Cruises should have taken precautions to prevent passengers from holding the unusual drink near the railing of the deck, where it could easily fall to lower decks.
The accident was no different than if an actual piece of the ship had fallen loose and injured his client, Daane said.
Celebrity Cruises Brand Quality Administrator Roswita Arnet, said it is a common practice to serve specialty drinks such as the Coco Loco during theme night parties.
John Cook, resident in charge of the Honolulu resident post of the Food and Drug Administration said he is unaware of any federal regulations regarding the use of coconut shells as drink containers.
"If there are any specific regulations, it would be a local matter and not a federal one," he said.
Mcdonough is not teaching any University courses this semester.
Senior account executive at Celebrity Cruises Liz Jakeway said Celebrity Cruises could not comment on the lawsuit while it is in progress.
The suit was filed in March 1998 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. A trial date has not been set.
09-23-99
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